---
title: "What labeling is required on hazardous household substances? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/product-safety/hazardous-substance-labeling-requirements
jurisdiction: "US Federal"
last_verified: 2026-08-28
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What labeling is required on hazardous household substances? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 16 CFR 1500.121, hazardous household substances must bear cautionary labeling on the principal display panel including a signal word ("DANGER," "WARNING," or "CAUTION"), a statement of principal hazard (e.g., "HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED"), the common or chemical name, manufacturer information, precautionary measures, handling/storage instructions, "Keep Out of the Reach of Children," and first-aid instructions when appropriate. Highly toxic substances must additionally display "POISON" and the skull and crossbones symbol per § 1500.3(c)(i) and 15 U.S.C. 1261(p)(1)(H). Type size must comply with Table 1 based on principal display panel area, effective for labels printed after December 30, 1985.

## Details / How it works

Under 16 CFR 1500.121, all cautionary material must be placed prominently on the principal display panel, with the signal word, statement of principal hazard, and "read other cautions" instruction blocked together in a square or rectangular area. When required, the word "POISON" and the skull and crossbones symbol may appear on a panel other than the principal display panel if the other cautionary labeling is located there. Highly toxic substances, as defined in § 1500.3(c)(i) and section 2(h)(1) of the FHSA, must bear the word "poison" alongside the signal word "DANGER" and the skull and crossbones symbol per section 2(p)(1)(H) of the Act.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Area of principal display panel (sq in) | Signal word (in) | Statement of hazard (in) | Other cautionary material (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | 3/64 | 3/64 | 1/32 |
| >2–5 | 1/16 | 3/64 | 3/64 |
| >5–10 | 3/32 | 1/16 | 1/16 |
| >10–15 | 7/64 | 3/32 | 1/16 |
| >15–30 | 1/8 | 3/32 | 5/64 |
| >30 | 5/32 | 7/64 | 3/32 |

Effective date: applies to labels printed after December 30, 1985; full compliance required by December 28, 1987.

## Exceptions & edge cases

Collapsible metal tubes must place cautionary labeling as close to the dispensing end as possible. Unpackaged hazardous substances must be labeled where practicable via a tag of at least five square inches securely affixed. All requirements of the Act are satisfied by compliance with § 1500.121, though exemptions may be granted under section 3(c) of the Act and § 1500.83.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. Government Publishing Office / Consumer Product Safety Commission — 16 CFR 1500.121 — Labeling requirements for hazardous substances · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/section-1500.121 · as of 2026-08-28